文章基本信息

标题：Rugby Union: PHIL BENNETT: I CAN'T GET OVER SNUB TO WATKINS
作者：PHIL BENNETT Interview: DAVID WILLIAMS
期刊名称：Sunday Mirror
印刷版ISSN：0956-8077
出版年度：2003
卷号：May 11, 2003
出版社：Mirror Group Newspapers Ltd.

Rugby Union: PHIL BENNETT: I CAN'T GET OVER SNUB TO WATKINS

PHIL BENNETT Interview: DAVID WILLIAMS

MATTHEW WATKINS must be the most bemused and disappointed rugby player in Wales.

Without doubt he has been the most impressive centre in Welsh rugby this season and yet there was no place for him in the 30-man Wales squad for the summer tour.

I must admit I feel completely baffled by Steve Hansen's decision. Watkins has been in superb form for Llanelli all season, was on the fringes of the starting line-up during the Six Nations, yet he is staying at home.

On the other hand, Sonny Parker missed the entire championship because of a broken arm, fractured the same bone again a couple of weeks ago, and yet despite massive doubts over his fitness he's off to Australia and New Zealand.

It just doesn't make sense, especially as the selection of Llanelli's Garan Evans has been achieved on the same basis as Matthew's should have been - consistently high standards at club level on the big occasion.

The rest of Steve's squad appears to be a case of going for the tried and trusted, with a sprinkling of new faces. I wouldn't argue with most of his selections - although I still think he should make his peace with the likes of Chris Wyatt, Leigh Davies and Dafydd James and get them back into the frame.

Of the new boys, I'll admit I do not know much about Gareth Delve other than the good reports he has earned at Wales U21 level.

Adam Jones has had a good, solid season with Neath and I'm thrilled for Alix Popham because he found his way blocked by Gary Teichmann at Newport, but has re-established himself after moving to Leeds.

A lot has been made over the past couple of days about Hansen's decision not to appoint one single captain but to name four joint skippers.

It would never have happened in days gone by, but the proof of the pudding will be in the eating. If Wales look rudderless and without inspiration questions will inevitably be asked.

What worries me far more are the possible dents to the squad's confidence. Australia and New Zealand are two of the biggest favourites for the World Cup and if Wales suffered a couple of thrashings the fragile confidence within the squad could be shattered again, four months from the tournament.